Biorefinery and greenhouse partnership

GreenField Ethanol and Cedarline Greenhouses plan to use the ethanol plant's byproducts for a greenhouse operation that would be built across the road. The next step is municipal planning approval, with construction beginning as soon as May, said Greg Devries, Cedarline owner.

"At the end of the day, it allows both industries to remain competitive," Devries said in an interview with the local Chatham Daily News.

The $18-million plan is to eventually have 90 acres of greenhouses, built in four phases of 22.5 acres. Devries said tomatoes would be grown, since they make the best use of carbon dioxide.

The greenhouses would also use the heat generated by the plant, as well as wastewater and biodiesel. Devries told the Chatham Daily News that GreenField would be capable of supplying 85% of the heat required for a 60-acre greenhouse.